Our History and back to the future
IT Futures is the University of Wolverhampton’s Technology & Digital Media external service provider based at the Shropshire campus and this specialist team brings together expertise from Faculty of Science and Engineering to businesses across the greater WM region.
Our aim has been to engage with businesses from all industry sectors through consultancy, development services, research and partnerships.
Having helped over 1,500 businesses to date, we have offered the services needed to improve business competitiveness through the adoption and exploitation of ICT solutions.
Originally formed in 2003, the project currently employs 6 staff and has assisted over 1,500 businesses to date, helping them make the transition into new technologies and enhance their knowledge of emerging technologies. Our areas of expertise include:
Industry Expertise
IT Futures is renowned for its use of latest technologies including RFID and the Cloud, which are showcased in the NTAILS and Agile Office Demonstration Centres at the University’s Telford campus.
We also support the WARP Network which is a Cyber Security Hub.
Web technologies
- Website planning, design & implementation
- Advanced e-commerce solutions
- e-marketing solutions, search engine optimisation and social media strategies
IT Strategies
- Development & verification of IT strategies to meet current and future needs
- Development of business solutions that optimise current and emerging IT infrastructures
Mobile technologies
- Wireless networks, planning & design
- RFID (Radio frequency Identification) and Sensors
- Adoption of cloud technologies, IoT
- Development of mobile applications
The team has successfully delivered a number of Government and European funded ICT projects over the years. Projects have included:
- IT Futures, 2003–2006
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e-Business Adoption, 2007–2008
- The Advantage West Midland funded E-Business Adoption helped businesses from the tourism leisure industry and hospitality industry ( as well as their supply chains) adopt internet technologies.
- We provided Web solutions to optimise all aspects of e-business
- We provided education and training on e-business related topics
- Offered dedicated helpline and online support
- The Advantage West Midland funded E-Business Adoption helped businesses from the tourism leisure industry and hospitality industry ( as well as their supply chains) adopt internet technologies.
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West Midlands Technology Network (WMTN), 2006 – 2008
- West Midland Technology Network was a collaborative project that provided eligible small and medium sized enterprises access to specialist skills, technology knowledge and facilities in numerous universities, colleges and technology centres.
- We offered up to five days of support to businesses from within the Manufacturing and creative industries
- The team provided assistance on Web Technologies
- Mobile Communications
- Loaning of equipment to test and scope within their business environments
- West Midland Technology Network was a collaborative project that provided eligible small and medium sized enterprises access to specialist skills, technology knowledge and facilities in numerous universities, colleges and technology centres.
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West Midlands Mobile & Wireless, 2005–2008
- West Midlands Mobile and wireless assisted small and medium sized enterprises in the development and application of advanced mobile and wireless technologies. Led by Staffordshire University the project brought together the expertise of various regional higher educational institutions.
- The IT futures team provided upto five days support
- We carried out examinations of how mobile and wireless could improve their business
- Provided technical support and training in mobile technologies
- Provided business knowledge to Radio Frequency Identification via our demonstrator centre.
- West Midlands Mobile and wireless assisted small and medium sized enterprises in the development and application of advanced mobile and wireless technologies. Led by Staffordshire University the project brought together the expertise of various regional higher educational institutions.
- e-Innovation Centre, 2006–2010
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Information Technology Advisory Service, 2009–2010
- IT Advisory Service was developed to help businesses with IT Problems
- This was a joint project with Business Link and Advantage West Midlands and various IT organisations like ourselves to provide a one-stop-shop catering for the IT needs of the SME.
- Technology At Work, 2010–2011
- Index Innovation, WSBC Innovation Vouchers Green Form activities, 2008–2012
- FarmToFork, 2010-2012
- NTAILS, 2011-2014
- Agile Office, 2013-2015
As a contributor to the ‘Innovation Projects’ group, under the chair of the Deputy VC, Professor Ian Oakes, IT Futures, together with our link to Faculty of Science and Engineering academic staff such as Professor Bob Newman, we are actively engaged in seeking initiatives and participation in delivery of forthcoming ERDF funding streams such as ESIF.